CALIFORNIA Winter 2006

HonoringHonoring a LegendLegend COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO MURAL ARTIST EMILE NORMAN

www.freemason.org All Grand Lodge of Ca iting liforn Inv ia M em be rs, F amil ies & Friends to… SummerS in Newu Englandmme and Canada CruisetourCruisretour August 3 – 12, 2006 $$2259*2259* IIncludingncluding AAirir ffromrom SSanan FFranciscorancisco

YourYour• RoundtripRoundtrCCruiseruip Transportation:Trianspseor tation:ttourou AirfareAirrfar e iincludes:fromfrnomc SanSlanu Francisco.Fdrancisces:o.

• Two night pre-cruise in Boston: Full-day city sightseeing and Masonic history tour with local guide, taking in all the highlights of this historic city. You will visit the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts building and its extensive library. Continuing on you will see the Green Dragon Tavern where the Sons of Liberty and St. Andrews Lodge met. Legend has it that the lodge members joined the Boston Tea Party dressed up as Indians and that their minute book contains a full page on the date of the Tea Party.

• Five-Star Accommodations: Accommodations for 7 nights on board the luxurious ms Maasdam. All cabins feature private bathroom, telephone, multi-channel music system and air conditioning.

• Super Cuisine: Your special rate includes daily meals and snacks served on board the ms Maasdam.

• Professional Program Director: Experienced, professional Program Director will host your group during the vacation upon arrival in Boston until departure in Montreal.

• Private Party: Private welcome aboard cocktail reception.

• Deluxe Motor Coaches: Transportation by deluxe motor coaches with experienced drives.

*Prices based on double occupancy. US airport taxes, port charges and government fees are additional at $399 per person and are subject to change. Additional category staterooms are available on a request basis only. CALIFORNIA

VOLUME 54 JANUARY 1, 2006 NUMBER 1 cover story

PUBLICATION BOARD Frederick L. Sorsabal, Grand Master Fifty years ago the Grand lodge of California commissioned John L. Cooper III, Grand Secretary Emile Norman to create an enduring work of art for Allan L. Casalou, Editor in Chief the Memorial Temple in San Francisco. He created the EDITORIAL STAFF endomosaic mural in the lobby of the building - a legacy Angel Alvarez-Mapp, Interim Managing Editor Steffani Kizziar, Masonic Homes Editor that continues today. On November 3, 2005 the Masons of Brad Bradbury, Online Editor California joined with luminaries in the art and architecture

PHOTOGRAPHERS communities to honor Emile Norman and his magnifi cent David Fairchild Studios works. Read about what inspired this artist, and what the Laura Turbow Photography Tim Andrews Photography future holds for his notable mural.

Design by Burritt Design

OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE GRAND MASTER in New England and Canada Cruisetour Frederick L. Sorsabal, Placerville No. 26 DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Melvyn B. Stein, San Diego No. 35

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN Richard W. Hopper, Visalia Mineral King No. 128 JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN For more articles of interest, check out California Freemason Online at www.freemason.org. Larry L. Adamson, Sunset No. 369

GRAND TREASURER M. William Holsinger, Evergreen No. 259

Summer RAND ECRETARY G S John L. Cooper III, Culver City-Foshay No. 467

GRAND LECTURER Harold A. Macy, Palmdale No. 769 5 lodge spotlight 14 masonic education www.freemason.org California lodges connect with their If you have ever wondered about the communities through the Child origins of Freemasonry, or why there ID program. Learn about recent are concordant and appendant bodies, program advances that will benefi t read reviews of two books that may be CALIFORNIA FREEMASON your lodge. just what you’ve been looking for. (USPS 083-940) is published quarterly by the Publishing Board and is the only offi cial publication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, 1111 California St., 6 lodge spotlight 15 masonic homes San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. Lodges can make national The fi rst of two articles about Publication Offi ce – Publication offi ces at the possible expansion, the president Grand Lodge Offi ces, 1111 California Street, history. Read how the dedication San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. Periodicals of one resulted in the largest of the board explains how the Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA and at MSAP program in the country. members are shaping the plans additional mailing offi ces. through participation in focus Postmaster – Send address changes to California groups and information meetings. Freemason, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. Publication Dates – Publication dates are the fi rst day of December, March, June, and September. 8 masonic education 16 masonic homes Subscriptions – CALIFORNIA FREEMASON Join John Cooper as he explores Learn more about retirement is mailed to every member of this Masonic the symbolism of light and the communities as Deborah Stebbins jurisdiction without additional charge. Others are invited to subscribe for $2.00 a year or $2.75 differences between interior describes possible expansion of outside of the United States. illumination and exterior brightness. the Masonic Homes Permission to reprint – Permission to reprint original articles in CALIFORNIA FREEMASON is granted to all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the author and this publication.

Phone: 800/831-8170 or 415/776-7000; fax: 415/776-7170; e-mail: [email protected].

California Freemason 3 Winter 2006 EDITORIAL

MasonryMasonry and the CCommunityommunity

ommunity awareness is a major component and relief and then encourages us to go of the strategic plan adopted at the 156th forward and serve our fellow citizens. C Annual Communication. Awareness of our I am not asking that we become service great craft is imperative for our lodges to do the work clubs, but there are ways we can benefi t the in their own communities and provide programs and communities in which we are located. We involvement in community events. It is encouraged must optimize the use of our Masonic that each lodge provide a strategic plan and initiatives buildings, making sure they are updated that tie in with the adopted Grand Lodge plan. and available. Several of our Masonic Freemasonry has a powerful message that transcends centers throughout California are used for politics, religion, and social stature. We must become such services as Meals on Wheels, polling “partners for progress” in each of our communities so places, adult day care, and many other that the community is informed and understands that uses which benefi t the community. We our craft lodges and other members of the family of can no longer afford to have our Masonic Freemasonry are there for their welfare and benefi t. centers open only for our meetings. We work in hundreds of ways to meet special needs As Masons, there are many opportunities and help others who would otherwise be unassisted. for us to help: Volunteer to tutor in school, It is time for Masonry to practice out of the lodge assist your local library, provide the Child ID what we learn inside it. If we do not, how will our program for a community event, volunteer at communities know what we stand for? In the past, the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and so many more there have been leaders of our communities within opportunities. We need to make it known that we are our order; however, that is not the case today. We ready, willing, and able to assist where needed. need to again become community leaders. If we do Remember, if it is to be, it is up to you and me! not lead, who will, and where will they lead us? It is our principles that we practice in our lodge rooms that society needs today. Freemasonry teaches charity Frederick L. Sorsabal Grand Master

California Freemason 4 Winter 2006 IN CALIFORNIA

By Ronald A. Lee

ChildNow ID unites the lodgeSmile! with community families “Hello, young lady. My name is Rob and we are going to prepare a Child ID form for your parents. Come here and sit down. May I borrow your right hand for a moment? Thank you. I am going to place your right thumb on this scanner and take a digital picture of it. Now smile!”

As cute as this dialog sounds to the picture creation, print, and clear) on Masonic family members and the one screen. It also utilizes a sturdier child’s parents at the Child ID booth, thumbprint scanner and a new camera there are always those children who for higher defi nition of thumbprints give you a knowing look which says, and pictures. At the bottom of the “Why should I smile for a picture of front page of our document are three my thumb?” business card–sized copies of the The most popular program child’s picture, thumbprints, and lines ever presented by our for the parent or guardian to enter Grand Lodge for lodge identifi cation information. These cards use, the Child ID can be cold-laminated by the parent program unites and one copy kept by each of them Freemasonry and one given to the child. with community In addition, a new reservation families for an system has been implemented. While important and the reservation system will be a similar worthwhile effort— experience for the user, the new to rescue the life of a child. For almost system will allow the committee to a decade now, California lodges have process reservations more effi ciently provided hundreds of thousands of and track important program child identifi cation sheets to parents, information. which they can use in the event their Interested lodges and Masons child is ever missing or abducted. should visit www.freemason. Child ID programs are sponsored by org to see the new calendar and lodges throughout the state at such reservation system. Use the calendar events as a PTA festival; a Wal-Mart to understand what other lodges are store safety exposition; or at a local, doing or have done. county, or state fair. Child ID is a great way to involve The latest Child ID software was Freemasonry with the community introduced in 2005 to improve and it serves an important purpose. lodge performance at these Put your lodge at the forefront of events. This new software has all helping children and families in the functions (thumbprint scan, your community.

California Freemason 5 Winter 2006 LODGE SPOTLIGHT

Rising from unknown to Acclaimed

By Terrie Mendez

How Naval Lodge used MSAP to raise community awarenessawareness

t was the “Classroom conducted during the school year like a retreat at the Heroes” article in Masonic Home at Covina. Even though California I the Fall 2003 issue of educators attend at no charge, and their transportation “California Freemason” is paid for, state budget cuts have made it harder for that moved Robert Wilson schools to send teams and pay for substitutes. to action. After reading “With the number of schools we have in our area, I about the Masonic Student realized it would take a very long time for every school to be Assistance Program able to send a team. Why not bring the workshop to Vallejo, (MSAP) workshops, and just before the school year begins?” Wilson explained. the positive impact on a “The California Masonic Foundation agreed to let us test school in his community, a different way of conducting the workshop, but we had to senior warden Wilson raise the money to cover all expenses. Our budget was a little made a proposal to his brothers at less than what is usually spent because the attendees were Naval Lodge No. 87: “Let’s bring the workshop to Vallejo.” all local. We didn’t have transportation, housing, and dinner It took almost two years, but last August Naval Lodge, costs.” But the lodge did pay for two instructors and provide with help from many Vallejo-area Masonic family members, all the workshop materials and two meals a day plus snacks. held the largest workshop in the history of MSAP. As a Two fundraising breakfasts, a benefi t concert, result, their extensive coordination and outreach efforts and individual donations from lodge members not only benefi ted local educators and students but also raised about one-third of the budgeted amount. immeasurably increased community awareness of Masonry. “Before we could plan more fundraising events, we Since 1994, the three-day MSAP workshop has been were fortunate to receive a very generous donation

California Freemason 6 Winter 2006 from a lodge brother that put us at our goal,” says of this joint effort has been increased interaction Wilson. “It took the pressure off and allowed us to between Naval Lodge and local concordant bodies. focus on promoting and planning the workshop.” “What made this event a success was working as Wilson made two presentations about MSAP to a Masonic family, partnering with Grand Lodge, and the Vallejo school board that were broadcast on having the right size lodge building and parking lot public access TV. He obtained the support of the to accommodate the participants,” Wilson says. “The Vallejo Teachers Union president to allow teachers one thing I would do differently is assigning someone to attend as volunteers, without receiving training to focus just on the media and do all the followup.” pay from the fi nancially strapped school district. In The success of this workshop demonstrates addition, presentations were made to the Fairfi eld how lodges can adapt Masonic programs to bring school board and the Solano County Offi ce of about more interaction with their communities and Education was contacted. Principals of all the schools raise awareness of the fraternity. It was successful in Solano County received letters inviting them to because those involved made extensive connections send school teams, followed by contacts from lodge within the community—school boards, hundreds of members at schools where they had a connection. school principals, business owners and managers, As a result, the workshop drew a record the 120 educators who attended the workshop, 108 participants and 12 observers from 28 schools in Solano County. One of the challenges was explaining MSAP and “We’re no longer the unknowns its connection to the Masons of California to often- in that building up on the hill,” unaware audiences. Wilson says his team made liberal says Wilson, referring to the use of copies of that “California Freemason” article, with the section about the Vallejo elementary school Springbrook Masonic Temple highlighted. They also inserted large sections of the in Vallejo. article in correspondence and group presentations. “It was available and tells a great story,” says Wilson. More than 30 businesses received letters and follow- and the public through publicity and newspaper up contacts explaining the workshop and requesting articles about the fundraisers and the workshop. assistance with food, supplies, and in-kind support. “We’re no longer the unknowns in that Even though this was the fi rst time Naval Lodge building up on the hill,” says Wilson, referring had requested community assistance, the overall to the Springbrook Masonic Temple in Vallejo. response was very positive. Many businesses agreed “In all our connections we gave a consistent to partner with the lodge because the team made message about Masonry and MSAP, using press personal contacts and was able to knowledgeably kits and materials provided by Grand Lodge.” discuss how the community benefi ts from MSAP. Typical of the comments made by workshop In order to execute such an ambitious project, attendees is the remark made by a school principal: Wilson put together a large team of members of “This is an incredible support to schools. I was local Masonic organizations. Besides Naval Lodge unaware of what Masons do and the many members, he received dedicated assistance from services you provide to our children.” members of four other lodges in the district; adult In Solano County, Masonry now means advisors to area Rainbow Girls and DeMolay chapters; much more than “that building on the hill.” members of Gateway OES; and Ellen Coll, the MSAP coordinator at Grand Lodge. An unanticipated benefi t

California Freemason 7 Winter 2006 MASONIC EDUCATION

and Exterior Brightness INTERIORINTERIONR LLUMINATIO ILLUMINATIONI By John L. Cooper, III reemasonry is understood to be, in part, the science of interior illumination. Our ritual is fi lled with the symbolism of light and of the progress that a candidate makes as he fmoves from darkness to light. “Light” for Freemasons stands for knowledge, and for intellectual and psychological development as each Freemason pursues “further light in Masonry.”

California Freemason 8 Winter 2006 INTERIOR and Exterior Brightness A candidate enters the world of Freemasonry in a search for interior illumination to make a difference in a symbolic state of darkness—and receives symbolic Mason as he grows in knowledge and understanding—but illumination only after he has taken a solemn obligation we expect much more that he will use that knowledge which will forever set him apart from the world outside and understanding to make a difference in his family, his Freemasonry. Our ritual quotes one of the oldest of written community, his country, and his world. documents—the Book of Genesis—moments before a new By the time you read this column, many of you will have Mason receives his fi rst light as an Entered Apprentice attended the installation of your lodge. If so, you heard Mason. Here is what he hears: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the WE EXPECT THE SEARCH FOR INTERIOR earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of ILLUMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let IN A MASON AS HE GROWS IN there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1–3) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING... Thus, at the very beginning of his journey as a new Mason, a candidate is taught to seek the light of understanding as found in the source of our being—in words which express our understanding of the foregoing God Himself. Whatever his religious persuasion, he is in the instructions given to the Master as he is installed as taught that the light he will seek in Freemasonry is but a leader of Freemasonry for the twelve months ensuing. a refl ection of the much greater light which God gave The Master is told that he is to “spread and communicate humankind from the very beginning. Freemasonry is not a light and instruction to the brethren of [his] lodge.” He is religion itself, but it most emphatically points a Freemason further told that he should “Forcibly impress upon them toward the light which is outside of, and beyond, himself. the dignity and high importance of Masonry, and seriously And he must fi nd that light himself. Freemasonry cannot admonish them never to disgrace it.” Then he is told that give him the light; it can only encourage him to seek it. he is to “Charge them to practice out of the lodge those But Freemasonry is not only concerned with interior duties which they have been taught in it, and by amiable, illumination, and certainly not concerned with interior discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of illumination for its own sake. Every lodge of Free and the goodness of this institution. …” Those are powerful Accepted Masons is closed with prayer—and that prayer words, and they clearly demonstrate that Freemasonry asks that God will give each Mason the vision and the expects its members to carry Freemasonry from the lodge courage to “practice out of the lodge those great moral out into the world. duties which are inculcated in it. …” Freemasonry thus This issue is devoted to Freemasonry and the expects a Mason to take the light which he seeks for community. The articles tell of the many things that himself into the world to which he returns when the lodge Freemasons do to make their communities a better is closed. place for everyone. And now we know why this is so. While Freemasonry is concerned with self-illumination, Freemasonry expects each Mason to transform his interior it is more concerned with what a Mason does with that illumination into an exterior brightness—a brightness self-illumination. If it serves only to foster interior growth that makes the world a better place because a Freemason for the Mason himself, it has little value for the larger passed that way. world in which a Mason lives each day. We expect the

California Freemason 9 Winter 2006 FEATURE STORY

By Richard J. Berman Honoring a Legend BAY AREA ART AND ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY UNITES AS THE MEMORIAL TEMPLE MURAL RENOVATION PROJECT BEGINS

In many ways, it is ironic that people often world, and many of the symbols used by Masons describe Freemasonry as a “secret society.” After all, represent the tools used by architects today. It is not Ialthough the organization’s rituals are held behind uncommon to see lodge buildings adorned with closed doors, Masonic lodges throughout the world these images, which, rather than being kept hidden have always gone out of their way to support charitable from public view, are displayed prominently so they work, promote ethical behavior, and spread the light of can be seen by Masons and non-Masons alike. Masonry in their communities. As many brothers are One of the most visually stunning Masonic buildings fond of saying, a truly secret society wouldn’t publish in the state is the California Masonic Memorial its upcoming meetings in the local newspaper. Temple at the crest of San Francisco’s Nob Hill, which One of the most notable ways that Masonry serves as the home of the Grand Lodge of California in California makes itself visible to the larger and its entities. Built in the 1950s, the white marble community is through its buildings, several of which structure—located across the street from the equally have been designated as historical landmarks. In imposing Gothic-style Grace Cathedral—is hard to miss many ways, this is appropriate: After all, the Craft not only for its size, but for its bold embodiment of traces its roots back to the builders of the ancient the principles of mid-century modernist architecture,

California Freemason 10 Winter 2006 Honoring a

a school of design that stresses simple lines, open spaces, and the use of materials such as concrete and steel. Although modern designs were initially regarded as extreme by many critics, today the movement is considered to be one of the most important architectural trends of the last 100 years. BAY AREA ART AND ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY UNITES AS THE According to architectural historian Alan Hess, MEMORIAL TEMPLE MURAL RENOVATION PROJECT BEGINS who has written several books about American architecture and is regarded as a leading authority on the buildings of California, the Grand Lodge building has historical signifi cance because of its unique design. “It truly is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It is a solid and massive building,

Today, at the age of 87, Norman is working with a team of conservation experts to repair fi ve decades of damage caused by exposure to the elements.

but at the same time it includes historical and classical elements, such as pillars, that many modernist buildings didn’t have. The building really adds a new dimension to modernism.” On November 3, 2005, Hess joined several other luminaries at the Nob Hill Masonic Center to honor Emile Norman, the artist who designed and built the most stunning visual element of the building, a massive 38-by-48-foot mixed-media mural that takes up almost the entire south wall of the foyer. After receiving a commission from the Grand Lodge in the mid-1950s, Norman spent more than 20 months creating one of the largest and most impressive pieces of art ever made in the state of California. Today, at the age of 87, Norman is working with a team of conservation experts to repair fi ve decades of damage caused by exposure to the elements. The restoration, which is estimated to cost more than $400,000, is expected to start in 2006. It is hard to fathom how much effort Norman put into making the translucent mural. Although it is often described as a stained-glass window,

California Freemason 11 Winter 2006 FEATURE STORY

it is actually comprised of more than 40 panels made from a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, fabric, seashells, and powdered glass. The work also includes soil collected by Masons in every county in the

“Many of the small tiles in the mural have slipped and need to be put back in place, and the glue that was originally used also needs to be fi xed. But even with the damage it is still an impressive piece and a real landmark in the city.”

state as well as Hawaii, which at the time the mural was created was still part of the Grand Lodge of California. It’s not just the enormous size and impressive construction of the mural (which Norman calls an “endomosaic” because it is made up of materials pressed between two clear panels) that make it a unique creation. Topped by a representation of the all-seeing eye, the work contains hundreds of symbolic representations of the role that Masons played in building the state of California. In addition to the eye, Norman used well-known images, such as the square and compass, beehive, apron, and trowel, as key components of his design. There are also dozens of less familiar symbols at play, and it can take several visits to the building to take in all of the Masonic and historical imagery. Joining Alan Hess in honoring Emile Norman was David Wessel of Architectural Resources Group (ARG), which is spearheading the restoration of the mural. Wessel, who has overseen the renovation of state landmarks ranging from the Point Reyes Lighthouse to the Watts Towers in Los Angeles, says that the Masonic window is a truly irreplaceable treasure. “Many of the small tiles in the mural have slipped and need to be put back in place, and the glue that was originally used also needs to be fi xed. But even with the damage it is still an impressive piece and a real landmark in the city.” In addition to fi xing the window’s panels, ARG will also install a new backlighting system to make the window more dramatic at night.

David A. Wessel explains the restoration process which involves removing 12 of the 45 panels. The panels include a verity of materials like glass, fabric, and soil from all the counties in California and Hawaii.

California Freemason 12 Winter 2006 Despite a long and successful career, assistance, took nearly two years. Norman isn’t a household name It may seem odd that the because he has never actively sought Freemasons, long regarded as an the spotlight. The event honoring inward-looking fraternity, would spend his work on the Masonic Temple upwards of a half million dollars to (which also includes a towering stone restore a piece of art that was created frieze on the building’s exterior) was to be viewed by the general public. one of the first times that he has In fact, most of the people who see received public acclaim. In addition the mural throughout the year are to presentations by Hess and Wessel, non-Masons who visit the temple for “LA Law” star Jill Eikenberry spoke concerts, exhibitions, meetings, and eloquently about the window and the other community events held in the lifetime of work created by Norman, building. Grand Master Frederick who lives near her home in Big L. Sorsabal, a member of Placerville Sur and whose work she has been Lodge No. 26, says that this kind of collecting for many years. Norman public outreach is an essential element also received official recognition of Masonry. “For several decades we from members of the San Francisco turned inside ourselves, and we lost City Council, the state legislature, a lot of opportunities to attract new and the city’s arts commission. Masons because we were too secretive. How Norman got the commission We need to get into the community Television star Jill Eikenberry recounts the life and work of Emile Norman. to create the mural at the Masonic and let people know what we stand Memorial Temple is a most unusual— for and what we do. Architecture and wonderful—story of serendipity. provides a way to make our presence in,” Sorsabal notes. He points to a A self-taught artist who grew up on a known by increasing our visibility.” number of examples, including the walnut farm in Southern California, As an example of this penchant for murals at Nevada City Lodge #13 (see by the time he was 25, Norman had confidentiality, Sorsabal recounts a “California Freemason,” Spring 2005) earned a reputation for his innovative recent conversation he had with Emile and Howard Lodge #37 in Yreka, as well window displays at major department Norman. “He isn’t a Mason, but he as the lodge building in Mendocino, stores in New York and Los Angeles. By clearly was able to learn a great deal which features unusual and wonderful the mid-1950s Norman, along with his about us before he started working on stonework. “Even people who don’t partner Brooks Clement, had settled his window. When I asked him where know much about the Masons in Big Sur and opened a successful he learned so much, Norman told me know our buildings,” he says. gallery in Carmel. He developed a that he had been given more than a Sorsabal hopes that the restoration local following, which earned him dozen books about Masonry, from of the Nob Hill Masonic Center the commission for a window in a which he was able to create his design. window will help bolster the public Monterey hotel where modernist He told me—and this was back in the profile of Freemasonry in California. architect Albert Roller happened to 1950s—that he had also interviewed “The event honoring Mr. Norman was be staying. Roller, who had just been Masons about our rituals but been wonderful, and what pleased me most hired to design the new Masonic sworn to secrecy by the people that was that most of the attendees weren’t Temple in San Francisco, inquired had shared the information with him!” Masons. There were a lot of people in about the window, and was introduced Of course, San Francisco is not the community who came because to Emile Norman, who soon thereafter alone in featuring visually stunning they care about art and recognize was selected to create a mural for Masonic art. “Across the state you can the important role that the building the new structure. Completing the see the wonderful architecture that plays in the life of San Francisco.” project, with Clement’s invaluable we as Masons created and take pride

California Freemason 13 Winter 2006 MASONIC EDUCATION FreemasonsBook for Dummies Christopher Hodapp You’ve mostly likely seen “Windows for Dummies” Wiley Publishing, Inc. or “Personal Finance for Dummies.” Launched in 1991 ISBN: 0764597965 primarily as a reference book for computer users, For Copyright 2005 Dummies products cover a large spectrum of topics (Softcover, 368 pages) including cooking, accounting, travel, and literature. Now there is “Freemasons for Dummies.” This book comes with a cheat sheet that serves as a glossary of terms. From blue lodge degrees to appendant bodies to common Masonic abbreviations, “Freemasons for Dummies” explains the fraternity in the style of a common user’s manual. In 19 chapters, Christopher Hodapp explains what Freemasonry is and how it works. He includes a part titled “Knights, Swords, Fezzes, and Dresses,” wherein he explains many of the appendant bodies, their histories, symbols, and initiations. He also discusses “Masonic-sounding groups” and other fraternal orders. In the fourth of the fi ve parts, Hodapp discusses Freemasonry’s relevance in today’s society and its potential future. The book ends with a part on “Tens”: “Ten Groups of Famous Masons”; “Ten Amazing Conspiracies, Anti-Masons, and Hoaxes”; and “Ten Cool Masonic Places.”

The Origins of Freemasonry: ReviewsFacts& Fictions Dr. Margaret C. Jacob Did Freemasonry evolve from the Knights Templar? University of Pennsylvania Press Have Freemasons placed cryptic symbols on currency ISBN: 0812239016 and other national documents as a way to communicate Copyright 2006 with one another? Dr. Margaret Jacob proposes answers to (Hardcover, 168 pages) these questions and many others, in her extremely well- researched book, “The Origins of Freemasonry: Facts & Fictions.” Jacob provides a very clear evolution of Freemasonry, as she begins with the early operative guilds and what attracted the gentlemen of the period to them, then proceeds to the formation of the fi rst grand lodge in London, and explains the Freemasons as expressing “the highest ideals articulated during the Age of Enlightenment.” Then she illustrates what the daily life of a Mason would have been like, saying that for early members “Freemasonry was meant to be lived, not simply joined.” She shows us how the early lodges became schools of government, and infl uenced local and national politics. She then concludes with women in the lodges, fi nding evidence of gender integration as early as the 1740s.

California Freemason 14 Winter 2006 MASONIC HOMES

A MESSAGE From the By Allen B. Gresham, PGM President

s I meet with members of our all that we do. This means that every plans only with the support and fraternal family across the day we work to improve the quality interest of our fraternal community. A state, I hear and feel the pride and effi ciency of our care. It also During annual communications this we all take in our Masonic Homes. Our means that we challenge ourselves to year, we held four focus groups (which communities, our buildings and the develop programs and services that turned out to be standing room only!) care provided within them, represent refl ect the changing and evolving to present the concept and hear the best and highest of our Craft – our needs of our fraternity. members’ feedback. An overwhelming shared commitment to Brotherly Love, We now know that many of our majority of attendees were strongly Relief and Truth. middle-class senior members are supportive of the concept. Here’s a I, and every Trustee on our Board, facing a shortage of affordable sampling of some of the comments we share this pride and are committed retirement services. There are many received: “Right idea, good timing”; to upholding the tremendous legacy high-end communities for those “Long over due”; “Very positive established by our forward-thinking with signifi cant means, and there are approach to retirement living”. ancestors. For more than a century, federally and state sponsored services This led us to plan nine additional these homes have sheltered the most for the poor. But many seniors in informational sessions in different vulnerable members of our fraternal California have to leave the state – and locations across the state. At the family and the children of our society. their family, friends and lodge - to time of this writing, we have over 300 Consistent with our principles, we secure affordable services. members scheduled to attend one of care for our residents with the respect In response to this unmet need, these sessions. We will incorporate and dignity they deserve. Every year we are working on a proposal to their feedback, refi ne our plans and we hire an outside fi rm to survey our create two new Masonic Senior then hold additional informational residents and family regarding their Living Communities on our existing sessions in different parts of the experience in living at the Masonic campuses. We are excited by the state. In this way, we can ensure that Homes. I am happy to report that our possibilities of these new communities any new senior living communities results place us among the very top as they will allow us to better utilize refl ect the needs and desires of retirement providers in the nation. Our our land and resources, expand our our membership and uphold the residents deserve no less. services to more of our constituents tremendous legacy of caring that We achieved these scores by and help fund our charitable mission. extends for more than a century. constantly striving for improvement in We will move forward with these

California Freemason 15 Winter 2006 MASONIC HOMES

By Deborah E. Stebbins

MASONIC HOMES CONSIDERS EXPANSION

alifornia Masons founded the Masonic Homes of C California over 100 years ago to provide organized relief to those in need. Inspired by brotherly love, we built magnificent and sound buildings to last centuries and to shelter our fraternal family. Today this tremendous legacy of care continues in the Masonic Homes of California’s two Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). In Union City (Northern California) we serve approximately 270 members of our fraternal family, and in Covina (Southern California) we serve approximately 73. The Covina campus is also home to our children’s program, with 36 children currently residing on campus.

California Freemason 16 Winter 2006 At the Masonic Homes, you will discover a WHAT IS A CCRC? community of residents who share common All CCRC facilities offer multiple levels of care, interests built upon the solid foundation of including independent living, assisted living, Masonic ideals; and you will discover a team of skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s/dementia care. professionals dedicated to caring for our residents Independent-living apartments or cottages in a manner consistent with these Masonic ideals. are suited for individuals who need little or no assistance, whereas assisted-living apartments are I’m not going to sell any of our land designed for those who require some help with the activities of daily living (e.g., eating, bathing, but I do think it is our responsibility to medication management). Skilled-nursing care make the best and highest use of it. offers residents access to both short-term and long-term nursing care, if the need should arise. The driving concept behind a CCRC is to provide In the words of a current resident of our residents with a continuum of care that helps them Covina campus, “You have to experience age comfortably. Within each level of care, services it—it is diffi cult to express in words. It is the and support are customized to individual needs— camaraderie—the fraternal ties—that makes offering a personalized approach to retirement. the difference. We are all family here.” Residents who live in continuing care retirement communities know that “wellness” is a way OUR HERITAGE, OUR FUTURE of life. A CCRC also offers a range of services, The trustees and staff of the Masonic Homes amenities, and wellness programs, all geared are responsible for serving today’s residents and toward helping CCRC residents stay healthy planning for tomorrow’s. To do this, we must make and independent for as long as possible. the best use of all of our resources—including A CCRC offers several housing options so our valuable land. Right now, only 25 of the 305 individuals can select the lifestyle that fi ts their acres owned in Union City and only 19 of the personal needs. The proposed new CCRCs being 32 acres owned in Covina are developed. considered by the Masonic Homes of California Allen B. Gresham, PGM, president of the board of are still in the planning stages, so nothing is trustees, established a clear direction for the Masonic chiseled in stone. At this point, the conceptual Homes: “None of our land will be sold during my plans for each campus call for approximately term. And I have the unanimous support of the 150–180 new apartments ranging from 950 board in this. Why? Because I refuse any short-term square feet to over 1,700 square feet. solution that compromises our heritage or our future. “I’m not going to sell any of our land but I do HOW CCRC FEES WORK think it is our responsibility to make the best and It is important that everyone is clear that the highest use of it. I look before me and see acres existing facilities of the Masonic Homes will of undeveloped land. And I know that we can always be there for our members in need and use that land to create affordable services for our open to eligible fraternal constituents—regardless members in need. And I know that we can use that of their fi nancial situation. In fact, protecting land to help support our charitable activities.” our ability to serve our members in need is After years of research and surveying our the guiding force behind all of our actions. membership, we believe that creating new The new communities being considered will Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer a different type of payment structure and are (CCRCs) on our existing land will meet the targeted to middle-income seniors who wish to needs of our fraternal family today and develop secure their future and leave a legacy for their family. our resources for those of tomorrow.

California Freemason 17 Winter 2006 MASONIC HOMES NEWS YOU CAN USE

Visit Our Web Site4 You can read about the latest 8 developments in the Homes, download recent mailings, and learn about the programs and services we provide on the new Web site for the Masonic Homes of California. Please visit www. masonichome.org.

Call for Masonic Assistance4 A single phone call is all it takes to ) address your questions and need for The CCRC contract typically involves a payment plan services. So call us today if you are based on a one-time entrance fee (which individuals considering applying for admission to pay before moving into the community) and a monthly the Masonic Homes or for assistance accommodation fee. The amount of each of the two through our Masonic Outreach Services fees is based on the type of housing accommodation (MOS) department at 888/466-3642 and the level of care the resident chooses. (888/HOME-MHC). A resident who chooses a two-bedroom cottage will pay a higher monthly fee than a resident who chooses to live Children’s Services4 in a one-bedroom apartment. A resident needing assisted- For information on our children’s living services may have a higher monthly fee than a ! program or to fi nd out how to sponsor resident who requires no assistance. If an individual comes a child in need, please contact Masonic to a community as an independent-living resident, then Home for Children, 1650 Old Badillo moves to another level of care, the monthly fee is adjusted Street, Covina, CA 91722, 626/251-2226, accordingly, but no additional entrance fee is paid. or e-mail [email protected]. Typically, residents have the option of choosing a refundable payment option. Following the initial trial period, should Communications4 you leave the community for any reason, you or your estate The Masonic Homes have speakers will be eligible for a refund of a substantial portion of your F available to come to your lodge or entrance fee. You’ll pay a higher entry fee for a refundable function to speak about the services option, but should you leave the community, you will be available through the Homes and entitled to a repayment of the majority of your entrance fee. other issues related to aging. For more information, please contact the INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? communications offi ce at 510/675-1245 These new senior living communities are being or [email protected]. We planned by our fraternal family for our fraternal family, look forward to hearing from you! so it is important that we hear from you! We plan to hold additional informational sessions around the state and have speakers available to come to your lodge to talk about these exciting new plans. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at [email protected] or 888-553-7555. We look forward to hearing from you!

California Freemason 18 Winter 2006 NEWS YOU CAN USE

Meet Ara Maloyan Civil Engineer Mason since 1999

Faces of Masonry

or Ara Maloyan, Masonry has given him the continuously when making major decisions. The moral opportunity to do what he enjoys most. “I have values that I have been taught now are more coherent always been a Mason at heart” says Ara. “Since I and more emphasized when practicing in my daily life.” was a child I was always interested in helping the needy F Ara, 44, lives in Northridge with his wife, Stella, and and the poor. Now I have found an honorable institution two children, Nicholas, and Michelle. He is the Deputy that I can share my passions with fellow brothers.” Ara City Engineer for the City of Beverly Hills and recently served as Master of Santa Monica Palisades Lodge No. oversaw the design and reconstruction of fi ve major 307 in 2005 and he also served as Senior Warden of commercial streets in Beverly Hills — most notably Washington Lodge No. 4 in Yerevan, Armenia. Rodeo Drive. “The teachings of the Masonic symbols like the twenty- four inch gauge has allowed me to balance my life between my family, work and my social activities,” he says. “Masonry has taught me to gauge myself FRONT ROW L TO R: Harold A. Macy, Grand Lecturer; M. William Holsinger, Grand Treasurer; Richard W. Hopper, Senior Grand Warden; Frederick L. Sorsabal, Grand Master; Melvyn B. Stein, Deputy Grand Master; Larry L. Adamson, Junior Grand Warden; John L. Cooper, III, Grand Secretary

SECOND ROW L TO R: Manuel I. Blanco, Grand Pursuivant; Augusto A. Garcia, Grand Standard Bearer; Vernon M. Dandridge, AGL Division III; Donald R. Taylor, Sr., Grand Tiler; A. Glenn MacBride, AGL Division II; Robert D. Rowan, Jr., AGL Division I; H. Vincent Carter, Grand Marshal; Mark R. Sandstrom, Grand Chaplain; Allen E. Haynes, Grand Bible Bearer; Robert A. Haldeman, Assistant Grand Tiler; Richard M. Timmins, Grand Organist; Freddie G. Davis, Junior Grand Deacon

THIRD ROW L TO R: Stephen R. Miller, Assistant Grand Organist; E. Dale Armstrong, AGL Division V; Daniel J. Moy, Junior Grand Steward; Jack M. Rose, AGL Division IV; Merritt E. Read, Senior Grand Steward; Kenneth G. Nagel, Senior Grand Deacon; H. John Fletcher, Grand Orator; Eric L. Wells, Grand Sword Bearer; Allan L. Casalou, Assistant Grand Secretary. 2005-200Grand Lodge Officers6

Grand Lodge F & AM of California PERIODICALS 1111 California Street POSTAGE San Francisco, California 94108 PAID AT SAN FRANCISCO CA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES